Oh, Pretty Woman – Roy Orbison

About the Song

Roy Orbison’s 1964 ballad, “Oh, Pretty Woman”, isn’t just a catchy tune; it’s a cultural touchstone that captures the yearning for connection and the power of unexpected love. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its simple yet evocative lyrics, Orbison’s signature soaring vocals, and its timeless exploration of a universal theme.

The song opens with a sense of wonder and disbelief: “Pretty woman, walking down the street / Pretty woman, the kind I like to meet.” Orbison’s voice, a powerful baritone with a touch of vulnerability, conveys a sense of immediate captivation. He’s mesmerized by this woman, so beautiful she seems almost unreal – “I don’t believe you, you’re not the truth / No one could look as good as you.”

“Oh, Pretty Woman” isn’t just about physical attraction, though. Lines like, “Are you lonely just like me?” hint at a deeper connection. The narrator sees a kindred spirit in this woman, someone who might understand his own loneliness.

The song’s melody perfectly complements the lyrics. A driving beat and a simple yet memorable chord progression create a sense of urgency, mirroring the narrator’s desire for connection. Orbison’s soaring vocals rise above it all, conveying both yearning and a glimmer of hope.

Despite the initial skepticism, the chorus shifts into a plea: “Oh, pretty woman, stop a while / Oh, pretty woman, talk a while / Oh, pretty woman, give your smile to me.” The repetition of “Oh, pretty woman” underscores the intensity of his desire for her attention.

“Oh, Pretty Woman” has been interpreted in various ways. Some see it as a straightforward love song, a tale of a man smitten by a beautiful woman. Others view it as a commentary on social class, with the narrator, perhaps someone down on his luck, reaching out to a woman seemingly from a different world.

Regardless of interpretation, the song’s core message remains powerful. It speaks to the universal human desire for connection and the transformative power of love, even when it arises in unexpected places.

“Oh, Pretty Woman” continues to resonate with listeners across generations. Orbison’s iconic vocals, the simple yet effective melody, and the timeless message of love and connection ensure its place as a classic. So, the next time you hear those opening lines, take a moment to appreciate the beauty and enduring appeal of Roy Orbison’s “Oh, Pretty Woman.”

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Lyrics: “Oh, Pretty Woman”

Pretty woman, walking down the street
Pretty woman, the kind I like to meet
Pretty woman
I don’t believe you, you’re not the truth
No one could look as good as youMercy

Pretty woman, won’t you pardon me?
Pretty woman, I couldn’t help but see
Pretty woman
That you look lovely as can be
Are you lonely just like me?

Wow

Pretty woman, stop a while
Pretty woman, talk a while
Pretty woman, give your smile to me
Pretty woman, yeah, yeah, yeah
Pretty woman, look my way
Pretty woman, say you’ll stay with me

‘Cause I need you, I’ll treat you right
Come with me baby, be mine tonight

Pretty woman, don’t walk on by
Pretty woman, don’t make me cry
Pretty woman, don’t walk away, hey…
OK

If that’s the way it must be, OK
I guess I’ll go on home, it’s late
There’ll be tomorrow night, but wait
What do I see?

Is she walking back to me?
Yeah, she’s walking back to me
Oh, oh, pretty woman